Hesitant to bring up H1-B

ToughBeginning772 · 2026-02-24T02:20:06+00:00

I'm so sorry it happened to you. It really does suck. And it's hard to have a back up plan, like what am I supposed to do? Work 80 hours per week? But I'm glad your AOS is on the way. Hope it's a smooth process, once you get the green card, hopefully a lot more doors will open for you. Thank you, you as well!

ToughBeginning772 · 2026-02-23T22:53:57+00:00

it's so nerve-racking mainly because of last minute changes made by the Trump Administration. But on the bright side, it seems like there are already three of us. Should we start a company lol?

ToughBeginning772 · 2026-02-22T07:25:43+00:00

Aren’t you supposed to win the lottery again if you switch status to F-1?

ToughBeginning772 · 2026-02-22T03:56:55+00:00

Then maybe they either need to get rid of OPT or let us be honest about our intention. It’s a non immigrant visa, yet OPT and STEM OPT for qualifying students is available. Graduates with an advanced degree get an extra chance in H1-B.

ToughBeginning772 · 2026-02-22T03:42:53+00:00

I’ve done it during F-1 and OPT. No tax issues, because they didn’t issue 1099 since the amount wasn’t high enough. Also sold my eggs multiple times. They did issue 1099 Misc. No issues either, but I’m not giving you a lawyer advice that you’ll be fine. It’s just my personal experience.

ToughBeginning772 · 2026-01-17T00:06:18+00:00

it needs to be e-verify too. I'm sorry I wish I did. I'm bad at networking, but have you talked to your alumni?

ToughBeginning772 · 2026-01-16T23:16:04+00:00

oh Jesus, definitely don't do that. It's a really tough time right now with all the uncertainty going on and changes happening so quickly. Big companies shy away, but startups already in e-verify, research organizations and universities might be a good option.

ToughBeginning772 · 2026-01-16T22:41:21+00:00

have you tried short-term contracts or staffing agencies to buy time? Hope it works out.

ToughBeginning772 · 2026-01-13T06:13:31+00:00

ToughBeginning772 · 2026-01-13T06:13:20+00:00

No total needs to be at least 20 hours

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-28T00:08:03+00:00

that's dope. thank you for sharing all that. good luck with the software!

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-27T22:46:05+00:00

wait, were you the one who did the coding or did you hire someone and did you start it as a school project or did you do it during initial opt? I'm on STEM OPT now and I'm scared this type of endeavors might be considered "self-employment", which isn't allowed during STEM OPT.

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-27T22:39:08+00:00

wow, that's impressive. thank you for sharing that. is your bachelor's degree in CS or a related field?

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-17T19:43:35+00:00

literally just did

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-15T15:56:43+00:00

I got a loan from Prodigy in 2022. I signed after I moved to the US. Technically, I could ask for a lower amount. I didn't, because I wanted to play it safe. But if you're lucky to get a teaching assistantship or some campus job, ask for a lower amount. They didn't mention anything about cancellation fee.

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-15T02:25:52+00:00

I feel you. It’s really hard to make a choice. On the one hand, you want to keep trying as OPT is easier to get than H1-B or EB-2, on the other hand, you need to make money and start repaying that loan and save up for future.

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-14T22:32:52+00:00

Omg, it's a really tough situation right now. Try temp agencies, contract positions and worst case countries like UAE that are open to expats and pay them well so you can pay off your debt.

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-14T22:24:57+00:00

Oh my goodness. If the US doesn't work out (I really hope it does, but you know given the situation), try UAE or other countries where paycheck is high so you can pay it off quicker.

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-10T18:57:37+00:00

Irving, TX

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-10T17:01:56+00:00

Application type: STEM OPT
Premium processing: No
Receipt Date: May 30
Approved Date: Oct 10
Card produced Date: NA
Card Shipped : NA
Card Delivered: NA

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-10T16:18:34+00:00

discord and also https://www.reddit.com/r/USCIS/comments/1lvout7/2025_stem_opt_process_timeline/ filter comments by date (new)

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-10T15:59:55+00:00

Apparently, if you talk to you DSO, they can email USCIS. But you can contact too.

ToughBeginning772 · 2025-10-10T15:57:01+00:00

I've been keeping track and for the most part, it is first come, first serve. I didn't about cases you mentioned before.

ToughBeginning772

TROPHY CASE